Delhi High Court Seeks Records on Police Action During Protest March

New Delhi, July 22, 2026 The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Delhi Police and the Central Government while hearing petitions alleging excessive use of force against Cockroach Janta Party-led protesters during their march towards Parliament. The court directed authorities to preserve all relevant records, including CCTV footage and other video evidence, as it examines the allegations raised in the petitions. During Wednesday's hearing, Senior Advocates N. Hariharan and Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest and assembly. Hariharan alleged that women protesters were molested, assaulted on their private parts, police personnel used batons with nails, and several officers were not wearing identification badges. He informed the bench that the petitioners possess around 110 videos supporting these allegations. "Something that followed was unimaginable. Brutality to the largest measure possible has been used. I am not for once saying this that the state did not have the ability to regulate the movement, channelise the movement... Policemen can be seen beating ladies on their private parts. Women at the protest were molested. More than 90 protesters were injured, and the numbers keep growing. I am not saying police were not injured, but it needs to be inquired what happened on the ground," Hariharan submitted before the court. Appearing for the Delhi Police and the Centre, Additional Solicitor General S. Raju rejected the allegations, stating that the crowd had turned unruly and that several police personnel were also injured during the incident. He further argued that the petitions were intended to attract publicity and "hog the limelight." However, the bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya questioned this contention, asking, "How can you say this is a publicity petition?" The matter will now proceed after the authorities file their responses, with the court ensuring that all relevant evidence is preserved for further examination.